Evaluation of the remineralizing effect of the chicken eggshell paste after removal of the fixed orthodontic appliance: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Demineralization of the enamel surface, which appears as white spot lesions during and after removal of the fixed orthodontic appliance, is the most common disadvantage of the orthodontic treatment course. Using the remineralizing agents during and after orthodontic treatment helps to avoid those enamel defects. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to assess the remineralizing effect of the chicken eggshell powder on the demineralized enamel surfaces after debonding the orthodontic bracket system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study was performed on 80 prepared premolar crowns embedded into acrylic molds. The samples were prepared to receive routine steps of the bonding process for the bracket system. The paste of the chicken eggshell powder was added to the samples after the debonding process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) were used to evaluate the remineralization effect of the chicken eggshell powder. Also, the Vickers microhardness tester was used to assess the enamel surface microhardness. RESULTS: It was found that the mean value of the Ca/P ratio for the samples before bonding of the orthodontic bracket system was (4.17 ± 2.2). This value significantly decreased to (2 ± 1.3) after debonding of the orthodontic bracket system and then showed a significant increase to (4.79 ± 2.65) after remineralization. These results were assured by the values of the Vickers microhardness tester. CONCLUSION: The chicken eggshell powder has an excellent remineralization effect for the demineralized enamel surface after debonding the orthodontic enamel surface.

Sustained hypophosphatemia after denosumab in a patient on hemodialysis.

An 81-year-old Caucasian man who had commenced thrice weekly hemodialysis (HD) three months earlier, presented with a hip fracture, two vertebral fractures and a bone mineral density T-score of -3.6. He had received weekly iron sucrose infusions for 6 weeks and alphacalcidol on dialysis days. Although he suffered from coeliac disease and cirrhosis, he was fully ambulatory and well-nourished. He was normocalcaemic with a marginally low plasma phosphate and the PTH was 11.8 pmol/L (<2-times the upper range of the assay). In view of his severe osteoporosis, it was decided to treat him with denosumab (dmab). Laboratory assessment 2 weeks post dmab showed severe hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia; phosphate 0.11 mmol/L and ionized calcium 0.83 mmol/L, and he was admitted for intravenous phosphate infusion. Three months later he remained on a phosphate supplement. The case illustrates that, in addition to the risks of hypocalcemia in patients with kidney failure and high bone turnover, kidney failure patients without evidence of high bone turnover, can also be at risk of hypocalcemia and severe hypophosphatemia requiring acute hospitalization and phosphate infusion. The potential role of compromised phosphate absorption versus increased deposition will be discussed. We recommend a cautious approach to dmab therapy in patients on dialysis, with evaluation of bone turnover and serum phosphate levels prior to initiation of treatment.

Bioaccumulation and sources of metal(loid)s in fish species from a subtropical river in Bangladesh: a public health concern.

Toxic metals and freshwater fish's metalloid contamination are significant environmental concerns for overall public health. However, the bioaccumulation and sources of metal(loids) in freshwater fishes from Bangladesh still remain unknown. Thus, the As, Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations in various freshwater fish species from the Rupsha River basin were measured, including Tenualosa ilisha, Gudusia chapra, Otolithoides pama, Setipinna phasa, Mystus vittatus, Glossogobius giuris, and Pseudeutropius atherinoides. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine metal concentrations. The mean concentrations of metal(loids) in the fish muscle (mg/kg) were found to be As (1.53) > Pb (1.25) > Cr (0.51) > Cd (0.39) in summer and As (1.72) > Pb (1.51) > Cr (0.65) > Cd (0.49) in winter. The analyzed fish species had considerably different metal(loid) concentrations with seasonal variation, and the distribution of the metals (loids) was consistent with the normal distribution. The demersal species, M. vittatus, displayed the highest bio-accumulative value over the summer. However, in both seasons, none of the species were bio-accumulative. According to multivariate statistical findings, the research area's potential sources of metal(loid) were anthropogenic activities linked to geogenic processes. Estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR) were used to assess the influence of the risk on human health. The consumers' THQs values were < 1, indicating that there were no non-carcinogenic concerns for local consumers. Both categories of customers had CRs that fell below the permissible range of 1E - 6 to 1E - 4, meaning they were not at any increased risk of developing cancer. The children's group was more vulnerable to both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards. Therefore, the entry of metal(loids) must be regulated, and appropriate laws must be used by policymakers.

Surgical Outcomes of Laparoscopic-assisted Distal Gastrectomy Versus Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy Billroth I for Gastric Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy versus totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) Billroth I (BI) for gastric cancer and to assess the impact of the initial introduction phase of TLDG BI anastomosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study analyzed the prospectively collected data of patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy BI from 2014 to 2021 at Seoul National University Hospital. RESULTS: Among 1116 patients, laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy BI was performed in 566 patients and TLDG BI was performed in 550 patients. The total laparoscopic arm had a faster mean operative time (190 vs 208 min; P < 0.001) and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (7.4 vs 7.9 d; P < 0.001). Local complications were higher in the total laparoscopic group (17.6% vs 9.9%; P = 0.008) during the early introduction phase. CONCLUSION: The total laparoscopic approach for BI reconstruction is safe and effective with faster operative time, shorter hospital stays, and less wound infection, but it may be associated with an increase in postoperative surgical complications and hospital stay in the early introduction phase.

Alanda (Ephedra foeminea) nanoparticles as a modulator of genomic DNA degradation in mice: new inspiration for treating Ehrlich solid tumour-induced kidney and liver toxicity.

OBJECTIVE: The limitations faced by conventional drug delivery systems are being overcome through the use of rapidly evolving cancer nanotherapeutics. Determining the manner in which the Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) is impacted by the new bioactive Alanda-loaded flax seed gum nanoparticles (Alanda NPs) functioning as an anti-carcinogenic agent represents the research objective of this paper. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Identification of the functional groups, surface morphology, particle size, and zeta potential were among the characterizations and preparations made for the prepared nanoparticles. A Control group, a Flax Seed Gum group, a raw Alanda group, an Alanda NPs group, an EST group, and an induced EST treated with Alanda NPs group comprised the six groups respectively which the 60 female mice were separated into in this in vivo study. RESULTS: Toxicity assessments for kidneys and liver were performed alongside the detection of total genomic DNA degradation. The zeta potential and the particle sizes for Alanda NPs were -25.60±0.38 mv and 40±0.28 nm, respectively, where the latter demonstrated a monodisperse spherical shape, per the findings. The use of Alanda NPs to treat EST was found to alle te the DNA damage, apoptosis, and renal and hepatic toxicity that EST induces. Additionally, the activation of oxidative stress and apoptosis causing the renal and hepatic toxicity induced by EST is counteracted by the scavenging of free radicals by the Alanda NPs. CONCLUSIONS: A high degree of safety for effective cancer treatment was displayed by the newly developed oral nanoparticles while also demonstrating strong potential in vivo.

New design of high-power in-motion inductive charger for low power pulsation.

The magnetic coupler is the most vital component for charging EV wirelessly. Through it, the output power can be transported from the transmitter to the receiver by means of electromagnetic fields. Therefore, this manuscript presents a proposed design of a magnetic coupler in the form of Double-D (DD) on both sides, which is suitable for in-motion inductive charging. This charger is capable of transferring power of 200-kW through an airgap of 250 mm with an efficiency of 91.88% and an operating frequency of 85 kHz. Computational modeling is conducted to obtain the magnetic coupler and the compensation parameters of the proposed system. The appropriate dimensions of the coils, magnetic and metallic shielding are obtained by using the finite element model (FEM). The effect of misalignments on the self and mutual inductances of the two coils (Lp, Ls, M), the output power (Po), and the transmission efficiency (η) is studied in case of one and two coils at transmitter side. The output power in the distance between the two transmitter coils (d) is improved by controlling the operating frequency, adding magnetizable concrete (MC), or both together. These techniques have proven effectiveness in improving the output power by 45.15% for small d and 72.51% for large d. In addition, the efficiency improved by 15.95% for small d and 60.76% for large d. Moreover, these improvement cases were compared in terms of size, weight and cost for a 100-m driving track.

A new hollow solenoid receiver compatible with the global double-D transmitter for EV inductive charging.

Inductive power transfer (IPT) technology is a promising solution for charging the electric vehicles (EVs) by enabling an EV to charge its energy storage system (battery) without any connecting wires through magnetic coupling. This paper proposes a new receiver design named Hollow Solenoid receiver that is compatible with the standard double-D transmitter defined by the SAE J2954 standard. A deep design analysis for the proposed Hollow Solenoid receiver is presented to define the optimum design parameters for coil (inductances, number of turns, dimensions, wires, etc.) and ferrite core (dimensions, number, arrangement, etc.). Several WPT3 (11.1kVA) solenoid receiver (SR) designs were presented and analyzed based on efficiency, weight, size, volume, and cost. The performance of the proposed SR was compared with the global Double-D receiver (DDR) presented by the SAE J2954 standard under different lateral and rotational alignment and loading conditions considering coupling factor, transmission power and efficiency, and stray electromagnetic fields (EMFs). The entire IPT system including coils, compensation network, power converters, controls, and battery load was modeled and analyzed for both SR and DDR coils. The results reveal that the proposed SR is compatible with the global DD transmitter at different alignment and loading conditions and is able to transmit the desired power (11 kW) at an efficiency > 85%. Hollow SR design shows the highest efficiency and lowest size, weight, and cost compared to DDR and other designs.

Virtual reality-based exercises' effects on pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life in children with repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

OBJECTIVE: The long-term consequences of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), which include altered lung functions and compromised cardiopulmonary capacity, impact functional performance and quality of life. This study investigates the effects of virtual reality-based exercise programs on pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life in children with repaired CDH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed. Fifty-two children with repaired CDH (aged 6-10 years) were enrolled and randomly allocated to virtual reality-based exercises plus traditional physical therapy (VR-EX group, n = 26) or traditional physical therapy alone (control group, n = 26). Interventions were conducted three times a week for 12 weeks. Pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The VR-EX group demonstrated significantly enhanced post-treatment pulmonary functions and cardiopulmonary capacity compared to the control group after accounting for the pre-treatment values (p < 0.05). In addition, the values in functional performance and quality of life measures showed significantly larger improvements in the VR-EX group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Children with repaired CDH may benefit more from VR-based exercises when combined with traditional physical therapy than from traditional physical therapy alone regarding their pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life.

Photoelectrocatalytic treatment of municipal wastewater with emerging concern pollutants using modified multi-layer catalytic anode.

Municipal wastewater contains emergent chemical and biological pollutants that are resistant to conventional wastewater treatments. Therefore, the focus of the current study was to address the challenge of removing emergent chemical and biological pollutants present in municipal wastewater. To achieve this, a photo electro-catalytic (PEC) treatment approach was employed, focusing on the removal of both micro and biological pollutants that are of emergent concern, as well as the reduction of Chemical Oxidation Demand (COD) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC). The treatment involved the use of a modified multi-layer catalytic anode photo-electroactive anode as an effective anode for PEC treatment of municipal wastewater. In the continuous mode of operation, %COD removal was optimized for the treatment of municipal wastewater under Ultra-Violet C (UVc), 280 nm, and Visible (Vis) radiation, 400 nm. Therefore, a comparative study was performed to investigate the effect of Vis radiation on %COD removal, micropollutants removal, and disinfection of municipal wastewater. Micropollutants present in municipal wastewater were effectively oxidized/degraded with the highest reduction rate between 100% and 80% under the influence of UVc and Vis radiation respectively by the PEC treatment process. Disinfection of various microorganisms present in the wastewater with the effect of UVc and Vis assisted PEC treatment was also monitored. Overall, 75-80% of the disinfection of municipal wastewater was contributed by the modified multi-layer catalytic anode. The UVc in the PEC system, contributes approximately 20-25% to the overall disinfection of municipal wastewater.

Augmenting Prediction of Intracranial Aneurysms' Risk Status Using Velocity-Informatics: Initial Experience.

Our primary goal here is to demonstrate that innovative analytics of aneurismal velocities, named velocity-informatics, enhances intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture status prediction. 3D computer models were generated using imaging data from 112 subjects harboring anterior IAs (4-25 mm; 44 ruptured and 68 unruptured). Computational fluid dynamics simulations and geometrical analyses were performed. Then, computed 3D velocity vector fields within the IA dome were processed for velocity-informatics. Four machine learning methods (support vector machine, random forest, generalized linear model, and GLM with Lasso or elastic net regularization) were employed to assess the merits of the proposed velocity-informatics. All 4 ML methods consistently showed that, with velocity-informatics metrics, the area under the curve and prediction accuracy both improved by approximately 0.03. Overall, with velocity-informatics, the support vector machine's prediction was most promising: an AUC of 0.86 and total accuracy of 77%, with 60% and 88% of ruptured and unruptured IAs being correctly identified, respectively.

Microplastics in aquatic environments: A comprehensive review of toxicity, removal, and remediation strategies.

The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments has been a global concern because they are toxic and persistent and may serve as a vector for many legacies and emerging pollutants. MPs are discharged to aquatic environments from different sources, especially from wastewater plants (WWPs), causing severe impacts on aquatic organisms. This study mainly aims to review the Toxicity of MPs along with plastic additives in aquatic organisms at various trophic compartments and available remediation methods/strategies for MPs in aquatic environments. Occurrences of oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and alterations in enzyme activity, growth, and feeding performance were identical in fish due to MPs toxicity. On the other hand, growth inhibition and ROS formation were observed in most of the microalgae species. In zooplankton, potential impacts were acceleration of premature molting, growth retardation, mortality increase, feeding behaviour, lipid accumulation, and decreased reproduction activity. MPs togather with additive contaminants could also exert some toxicological impacts on polychaete, including neurotoxicity, destabilization of the cytoskeleton, reduced feeding rate, growth, survivability and burrowing ability, weight loss, and high rate of mRNA transcription. Among different chemical and biological treatments for MPs, high removal rates have been reported for coagulation and filtration (>86.5 %), electrocoagulation (>90 %), advanced oxidation process (AOPs) (30 % to 95 %), primary sedimentation/Grit chamber (16.5 % to 58.84 %), adsorption removal technique (>95 %), magnetic filtration (78 % to 93 %), oil film extraction (>95 %), and density separation (95 % to 100 %). However, desirable extraction methods are required for large-scale research in MPs removal from aquatic environments.

Occurrence of aflatoxins in nuts and peanut butter imported to UAE.

Nuts are an important food group that contributes to maintaining health; however, they can be a source of exposure to aflatoxins. This study was conducted from 2017 to 2021 to assess the incidence of aflatoxins in nuts and nut products imported to the UAE from 57 countries. Associations between container type and processing technique and aflatoxin levels were also analyzed. A total of 5401 samples of pistachios, peanuts, peanut butter, and mixed nuts were examined using HPLC-FLD analysis in conjunction with immunoaffinity cleanup. In nuts, non-conformity was detected in samples imported from 32 different countries. Mean aflatoxin values for the non-compliant samples ranged from 81.0 to 92.7 µg/kg in pistachios, peanuts, and mixed nuts. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between mean aflatoxin levels in samples of peanut butter (29.3 µg/kg) compared to the other types of nuts. Nuts packed in containers made of fabric material had the highest mean aflatoxin levels of 108.1 µg/kg, while 29.7 µg/kg was the lowest mean level and was detected in nuts packed in glass. Ground samples had the highest aflatoxin levels (158.9 µg/kg) among processed products. This report will be valuable as a reference document in developing approaches to control nut importation and for establishing procedures that prevent food safety risks due to aflatoxin exposure. A need was underlined for the regulating authority to audit companies importing nuts, ensure safe practices are in place, and establish standards to minimize contamination and prevent the need for product rejection at the border.

Quality of Honey Imported into the United Arab Emirates.

This study was performed to assess the physicochemical quality characteristics of honey imported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) via Dubai ports between 2017 and 2021. There were 1330 samples analyzed for sugar components, moisture, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, free acidity, and diastase number. Of the honey tested, 1054 samples complied with the Emirates honey standard, but 276 (20.8%) did not; this was due to non-compliance with one or more quality parameters, thus suggesting some level of adulteration, improper storage or inappropriate heat treatment. For the non-compliant samples, the average values of sucrose content ranged from 5.1 to 33.4%; the sum of glucose and fructose ranged from 19.6 to 88.1%; the moisture content varied from 17.2 to 24.6%; the HMF occurred in a range from 83.2 to 663.0 mg/kg, and the acidity varied from 52 to 85 meq/kg. The non-compliant honey samples were grouped according to their country of origin. India was shown to be the country having the highest percentage of non-compliant samples at 32.5% and Germany had the lowest at 4.5%. This study emphasized that the inspection of honey samples traded internationally should involve physicochemical analysis. A comprehensive inspection of honey at the Dubai ports should reduce incidents of adulterated products being imported.

Premarital screening of the viral hepatitis among Saudi nationals.

Blood borne sexually transmitted infections are among the most serious health problems worldwide. Many people possessing these infections do not have symptoms and may remain undiagnosed. The current study aimed to screen premaritally the incidence of blood borne viruses among Saudi nationals. A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted, using a total of 91,000 medical records, in the blood bank from a single center in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. All persons who underwent premarital examination during the period 2016-2021 for the presence of hepatitis B and C viruses as a part of the national screening program in Saudi Arabia were included in the study. Serological tests were used to screen the presence of HBc Ab and HBs Ag. Both anti-HCV antibodies and the presence of virus RNA using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were also performed. The study reported the presence of 378/91000 (0.42%) infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) as indicated by the presence of HBc Ab and HBs Ag. Meanwhile, 208 (0.23%) cases were found to be exposed to HCV including 49/91000 (0.05%) active HCV cases, positive for the HCV RNA, while 159/91000 (0.17%) persons were found to possess positive HCV antibodies in the absence of detectable HCV RNA. It was concluded that there is a low prevalence of HBV and HBV among Saudi citizens who were subjected to premarital screening.

Small Bowel Refractory Bleeding: A Retrospective Study for Causes and Surgical Management.

INTRODUCTION: Small bowel (SB) bleeding is one of the common gastrointestinal problems, particularly in elders. The study aimed to find the causes of refractory bleeding and overcome the challenges and difficulties of surgical treatment for SB refractory bleeding. METHODS: All patients with SB refractory bleeding who underwent surgical treatment were included in this study. Patients' characteristics, surgical finding, and follow-up assessments were reviewed and analyzed through Hospital Information System records from October 1, 2014, to November 30, 2020. All analyses were performed using SPSS v23.0. RESULTS: The causes of SB bleeding include vascular lesions (angioectasia, arteriovenous malformations, and dieulafoy lesions) 29.6%, tumors (Polyps, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, Adenocarcinoma, and other) 24.5%, diverticular 18.4%, ulcers/erosion 15.3%, inflammatory bowel disease 7.1%, and other 5.1%. Patients (age below 60 y) were highly developed SB bleeding caused by diverticular 26.4% compared with patients (age 60 y or older) 8.9%, whereas bleeding caused by vascular lesions was significantly higher in patients (age 60 y or older) 37.8%. Other causes, such as tumors and inflammatory bowel disease, showed no significant difference related in age. Exploratory laparotomy was the standard method of bowel extrinsic examination. The intraoperative enteroscopy enterotomy (IOE-E) and IOE-combined were performed in 52 patients (1:1). IOE-E shows lower postoperative morbidity and shorter time of operation P <0.05 compared with the IOE-combined approach. CONCLUSIONS: Age and exhaustive patient history can assist in finding out the etiology. IOE-E is safe, and coordination between surgeon and endoscopist is necessary for IOE if an identifiable source cannot be found in endoscopy or exploratory laparotomy alone.

Pesticide residues in fresh fruits imported into the United Arab Emirates.

Pesticides are a major public health issue connected with excessive use because they negatively impact health and the environment. Pesticide toxicity has been connected to various human illnesses by means of pesticide exposure in direct or indirect ways. A total of 4513 samples of imported fresh fruits were collected from Dubai ports between 2018 to 2020. Their contamination by pesticides was evaluated using gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The display of monitoring results was based on the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) standard as per the procedures of the European Union. Eighty-one different pesticide residues were detected in the tested fruit samples. In 73.2% of the samples, the pesticide levels were ≥ MRL, while 26.8% were > MRL standards. Chlorpyrifos, carbendazim, cypermethrin, and azoxystrobin were the most frequently detected pesticides in more than 150 samples. Longan (81.4%) and rambutan (66.7%) showed the highest number of imported samples with multiple pesticide residues > MRL. These results highlight the need to continuously monitor pesticide residues in fruits, particularly samples imported into the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Fruit samples with residues > MRL are considered unfit for consumption and prevented from entering commerce in the UAE.

Risk factors for community-acquired bacterial infection among young infants in South Asia: a longitudinal cohort study with nested case-control analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Risk factors predisposing infants to community-acquired bacterial infections during the first 2 months of life are poorly understood in South Asia. Identifying risk factors for infection could lead to improved preventive measures and antibiotic stewardship. METHODS: Five sites in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan enrolled mother-child pairs via population-based pregnancy surveillance by community health workers. Medical, sociodemographic and epidemiological risk factor data were collected. Young infants aged 0-59 days with signs of possible serious bacterial infection (pSBI) and age-matched controls provided blood and respiratory specimens that were analysed by blood culture and real-time PCR. These tests were used to build a Bayesian partial latent class model (PLCM) capable of attributing the probable cause of each infant's infection in the ANISA study. The collected risk factors from all mother-child pairs were classified and analysed against the PLCM using bivariate and stepwise logistic multivariable regression modelling to determine risk factors of probable bacterial infection. RESULTS: Among 63 114 infants born, 14 655 were assessed and 6022 had signs of pSBI; of these, 81% (4859) provided blood samples for culture, 71% (4216) provided blood samples for quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 86% (5209) provided respiratory qPCR samples. Risk factors associated with bacterial-attributed infections included: low (relative risk (RR) 1.73, 95% credible interval (CrI) 1.42 to 2.11) and very low birth weight (RR 5.77, 95% CrI 3.73 to 8.94), male sex (RR 1.27, 95% CrI 1.07 to 1.52), breathing problems at birth (RR 2.50, 95% CrI 1.96 to 3.18), premature rupture of membranes (PROMs) (RR 1.27, 95% CrI 1.03 to 1.58) and being in the lowest three socioeconomic status quintiles (first RR 1.52, 95% CrI 1.07 to 2.16; second RR 1.41, 95% CrI 1.00 to 1.97; third RR 1.42, 95% CrI 1.01 to 1.99). CONCLUSION: Distinct risk factors: birth weight, male sex, breathing problems at birth and PROM were significantly associated with the development of bacterial sepsis across South Asian community settings, supporting refined clinical discernment and targeted use of antimicrobials.